Tanaka slated to take the mound on Old Timers Day

The Yankees are slated to celebrate Old Timers Day later this morning, but after the Old Timers Day game, the Yankees will attempt to finish business by sending Masahiro Tanaka to the mound. The Yankees are coming off sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays and took the first game against the Baltimore Orioles. They’d like to have another series win under their belt before they fly to Toronto to face the Jays in their home ball park.

Masahiro Tanaka has been an ace for the Yankees, especially with the injury to CC Sabathia–who hasn’t really had an ace season within the last two years. Tanaka is coming off an outing where he only gave up one run to the Toronto Blue Jays, lowering his ERA to 1.99. Tanaka’s stuff wasn’t sharp, but you wouldn’t be able to tell by staring at the box score. The Yankees will face Chris Tillman who gave up three runs on eight hits and took the loss against–what do you know, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Both teams are trying to climb their way to the top of the AL East, but for the Yankees to be in contention for the first place spot is sort of a blessing. Their offense has been streaky but their pitching has been fair. What’s kept the Yankees in a race so far is the bullpen, which has seen great seasons from David Robertson, Adam Warren and Dellin Betances. Tanaka wants to send the Yankees fans home happy–and all I really want to see is David Robertson in a game. Who knew being the closer would severely limit his outings?